This year, we visited more bar & grills than a Peabody fire marshal inspects grease traps. When we stare at a smudged pint glass, we see perfectly charred burgers and frosty mugs, and our dreams are soundtracked by sizzling griddles and clinking bottles. After another 365 days of dining where the dress code is strictly jeans-and-tees, here are Peabody’s 10 Best Bar & Grill Restaurants for 2026.
8/10 Bar & Grille
$$ | (617) 387-9810 | WEBSITE
The 8/10 Bar & Grille really only makes one thing. It’s called American Chop Suey, and you’ve probably had it before. But that doesn’t mean you should skip this place. That would be rude, and it wouldn’t work out well for you. Because 8/10’s goulash is hearty and flavorful, and makes all other comfort food seem like a bland and distant memory you once had.
And since even goulash gets lonely sometimes, there are a bunch of great sides like stuffed mushrooms and generous wedge salads with perfect crispy bacon. So the next time you want to have a pork dinner and beer-fueled group hang, plan your dinner here. Or just come by yourself, sit at the old school bar, and drink a cocktail while you show some strangers how good you are at eating Reubens.
Difillipo’s Brick Yard Bar & Grill
$ | (781) 595-9468 | WEBSITE
We imagine that all the neighborhoods in Peabody would place bids to get Difillipo’s for themselves if they could. But even though Lynn won this auction, you should go out of your way to eat at this bar & grill, no matter where you live. Especially if you enjoy pub food, friendly service, and reasonable prices in excess. You’ll find all three qualities in almost everything at this dog-friendly restaurant.
Above all else though, prioritize the brisket sandwich – Difillipo’s knows how to cook brisket like the US Mint knows how to make pennies. Our favorite is the highly recommended brisket sandwich, which comes out so perfectly cooked that it gives other sandwiches self-esteem issues.
Paddy Kellys
$$ | (978) 532-2370 | WEBSITE
The skeptical foodie in me raised an eyebrow when I heard about Paddy Kellys. After all, it’s a lively bar and grill with loud music and a live band in a cozy space. But as soon as you take your first bite of the buffalo chicken sandwich, you’ll realize that even though there’s a cover charge on select nights, this is not just another bar.
From the perfectly cooked steak tips that taste like tender, savory bites of heaven to the potato wedges served alongside crispy onion rings, Paddy Kellys serves some of the very best comfort food in Peabody. The martinis, including the fruity pebbles and espresso varieties, are highlights, and the bar staff’s recommendations are spot-on. With reasonable prices and attentive, friendly service, it’s clear the team works hard to provide a great experience.
Lucky Dog
$ | (978) 922-4899 | WEBSITE
Like a classic dive bar, Lucky Dog is a Peabody institution that fancier spots can’t really replicate. So we just embrace it as our own. This local bar doesn’t just pour great beers – everything else here, like the welcoming bartenders who remember your order, and the chill vibe with awesome music, is worth a special trip.
But the main attraction is still the incredible beer list, and especially the Maine Lunch, Heady Topper, and Zombie Dust, which have complex flavors beneath refreshing finishes that are like the perfect after-work drink. The atmosphere stays consistently laid-back based on who’s behind the bar, so bring a couple friends and hang out for a while until you’ve met favorites like Matt, Russ, Danny, Dillon, Steve, Yankee, or Scottie!
Rockafellas Restaurant
$$ | (978) 745-2411 | WEBSITE
Rockafellas Restaurant is, in fact, a bar and grill. Which means you can enjoy a craft beer with your meatloaf sandwich, order Buffalo wings at lunch, and start a devoted relationship with their Mac & Cheese with Buffalo Chicken. But unlike any other comfort-food spot with cozy booths and rustic wood accents, Rockafellas serves hearty, often creatively twisted New England fare. All of it is satisfying, especially the crab cakes which deserve their own dedicated corner of the menu.
You’ll leave feeling like bar-and-grill classics have been missing something all along.
Anchor Pub & Grille
$ | (978) 921-0504 | WEBSITE
Anchor Pub & Grille feels like any other casual bar and grill that plays classic rock and serves strong cocktails. Even when you look at the $25 seafood pie or $18 fried clams, the straightforward menu descriptions won’t give you any sense of what you’re in for. But as soon as the dishes start arriving, you’ll realize that the food is far from ordinary.
The generous portions stay consistent all the time, but you can expect things like big scallops that taste like they just came off the boat or haddock as flaky and fresh as you’d find at a seaside shack. You’ll search for ways to explain why the atmosphere works so well, before eventually giving up and just saying it’s fantastic.
Village Tavern | Bar & grill
$$ | (978) 744-2858 | WEBSITE
In a perfect world, there would be a Village Tavern in every neighborhood. That way, no matter where you lived, you could slip into something comfortable, head over, and get an espresso martini or some Georgia peach whiskey you’d savor like a connoisseur appreciating fine art. This bar and grill spot in Salem is a beloved destination for lunch and dinner, and we somehow like it even more than we expected. It’s just so easy to have an exceptional meal here.
Even when there’s a wait, you can pretty much always find a welcoming atmosphere, and if you ever need a delightful dining experience, it’s one of your best options in the area.
Stewarts Pub
$ | (617) 381-0563 | WEBSITE
Stewarts Pub has singlehandedly raised our expectations for all neighborhood pubs. This Irish spot in Peabody serves burgers, nachos, and pub bites with a warmth that works so well, it could solve parking shortages, weekday blues, and winter chills. Our favorite is the chicken nachos, which come on crispy tortilla chips with tender chicken, melted cheese, fresh salsa, jalapeños, and sour cream.
Whenever you decide to try this place for a casual night out, there’s a good chance we’ll already be sitting at the bar with a proper Guinness.
Sylvan Street Grille
$$ | (978) 774-1724 | WEBSITE
When we say there’s nothing else like Sylvan Street Grille, we mean it. Where else are you going to find mustard-crusted fried chicken sandwiches with that perfect crunch? Or a bunless burger that’s so juicy it practically spills over the plate? Nowhere. Sylvan Street Grille is known for its variety of good sandwiches at reasonable prices, and they serve the type of casual bar and grill experience that’s become a local favorite.
It’s some of the most satisfying food you’ll currently find in Peabody, so this is an ideal spot for when you want a reliable meal that won’t break the bank. Or for when you’d like to enjoy something you’ll be thinking about until your next visit.
Fibber McGee’s
$$ | (978) 232-0180 | WEBSITE
Fibber McGee’s is the best bar and grill in Peabody. And it’s one of the few places we’d confidently send you without feeling the need to explain ourselves. Now allow us to explain ourselves. No matter what you order at this American spot, it’s either going to be the best version in the area, like the wings and the burgers, or pretty damn close. And unlike most other sports bars serving similarly great food, this isn’t just a game day destination.
It is that – the typical football bar atmosphere is energetic enough for watching the big game or grabbing drinks with friends – but friendly staff, reasonable prices, and a good beer selection keep it from feeling overwhelming. Fibber McGee’s works for just about any casual dining situation, and it’s an ideal option for all of them.